What's Happening?
Manal Al-Khammash, a young Sinologist from Amman, Jordan, is dedicated to fostering cultural understanding between China and the Arab world through her work in language and literature. Her journey began at age 17, inspired by Chinese kung fu films, leading
her to pursue Chinese studies at the University of Jordan. She furthered her education in 2019 with postgraduate studies at Beijing Language and Culture University. Al-Khammash has become a prolific translator, converting Chinese television dramas and literary works into Arabic. Notably, her Arabic translation of renowned Chinese writer Ba Jin's novel 'Cold Nights' was published in 2024. In this translation, she thoughtfully assigned Arabic names to characters and included detailed explanations of Chinese cultural terms, aiming to provide Arab readers with a more profound and accurate understanding of Chinese culture. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in contemporary Chinese literature at Sichuan University, spending most of her year in China, with her home in Amman reflecting her bicultural life through various Chinese cultural artifacts.
Why It's Important?
Al-Khammash's efforts are crucial for enhancing cross-cultural understanding and appreciation between China and the Arab world, a dynamic that holds significant global relevance. By making Chinese narratives accessible to Arabic-speaking audiences through her translations, she facilitates a deeper connection with shared human emotions and cultural values that transcend geographical and linguistic barriers. Her work exemplifies the power of individual initiatives in promoting soft diplomacy and cultural exchange, which can contribute to stronger international relations and mutual respect. In an increasingly interconnected world, such cultural bridges are vital for dispelling stereotypes and cultivating a more nuanced global perspective. Her ability to highlight commonalities, such as shared values in hospitality, filial respect, and reverence for elders, demonstrates how diverse societies can find common ground, fostering a foundation for broader diplomatic and economic engagement.
What's Next?
Following the completion of her doctorate, Manal Al-Khammash intends to continue her role as a cultural ambassador, with a clear vision to translate more Chinese literary works and introduce 'the real and beautiful China' to Arab audiences. Her ongoing academic pursuits in contemporary Chinese literature will further refine her expertise, enabling her to select and interpret works that resonate most effectively with her target readership. Her active participation in events such as the special China-Arab States session of the 2026 International Youth Poetry Festival indicates a continued commitment to platforms that facilitate direct communication and understanding among young people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Her future endeavors are expected to further enrich the cultural dialogue between China and the Arab States, potentially inspiring other individuals to engage in similar cross-cultural initiatives and deepen global cultural ties.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate impact of her literary translations, Al-Khammash's personal journey highlights a broader global trend of increasing cultural exchange and the significant role individuals play in shaping international perceptions. Her ability to identify and emphasize common cultural threads between seemingly distinct societies, such as shared values in tea traditions or family respect, underscores a universal human experience that can serve as a powerful foundation for deeper diplomatic and economic ties. This personal dedication to fostering cultural understanding can act as a counterweight to geopolitical tensions by cultivating empathy and a sense of shared identity. Her work also reflects the evolving nature of Sinology, moving beyond purely academic study to active cultural mediation, making both ancient and contemporary Chinese culture more relatable and accessible to a global audience, thereby enriching the global cultural tapestry.
